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Data, content and functionality
What is the difference between CANSIM and the Census?
What is CANSIM?
What is the difference between the commercial CANSIM database and CANSIM in E-STAT?
What is a time series?
How can I find more information about the survey, data sources and methodology for a given table in CANSIM?
Why am I asked to pay for data from the CANSIM database?
Can I convert quarterly data into annual data?
Can E-STAT calculate percentages?
How to search the CANSIM database?
How to export CANSIM data into an Excel spreadsheet?
What is a census?
What is the Census of Agriculture?
What does 20% sample data mean in the Census?
Why does Census data always end in 0 or 5?
Why don't totals add up in Census data?
Can I create a population pyramid with E-STAT?
Can I select more than one function at a time with E-STAT mapping features?
Can I change the title of a graph produced in E-STAT?
Can E-STAT calculate percentages?
How to search by postal code?
How to search the Censuses modules?
How can I research my ancestors?
When I search by locality, I get a drop-down list of all places beginning with that name. Which one should I select?
When should I use the regular E-STAT for mapping census data?
What is the Aboriginal Peoples Survey?
Does E-STAT contain data from sources other than Statistics Canada?
What is Human Activity and the Environment?
Where can I find information about ecozones?
How to Cite Statistics Canada Products?
What is E-STAT?
E-STAT is an interactive tool about society and the economy in Canada, free online and available only to educational institutions.
What is the difference between CANSIM and the Census?
CANSIM provides data at regular time intervals. The census is a "snapshot" of data at one specific point in time.
What is CANSIM?
CANSIM is a registered trademark of Statistics Canada and is an official mark adopted and used by Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Industry Canada.
With its multidimensional format, new features and expanded data, it makes E-STAT an even richer source of current and historical information on Canada and Canadians. The CANSIM database offers authoritative data on labour, manufacturing, investment, international trade and much more. With approximately 2,800 multidimensional tables, CANSIM enables users to track trends in virtually every aspect of Canadian life.
Select Search CANSIM from the sidebar.
What is the difference between the commercial CANSIM database and CANSIM in E-STAT?
The CANSIM data in E-STAT are updated once a year during the summer months and are free to registered educational institutions. The commercial CANSIM database is updated daily, and there is a charge per series.
What is a time series?
A time series in CANSIM consists of a number of observations for a given subject at regular intervals. For example, the population of Canada is recorded at quarterly intervals (every three months) for a period of several years, whereas the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is tracked on a monthly basis.
How can I find more information about the survey, data sources and methodology for a given table in CANSIM?
Once in the CANSIM table, you will notice one or more hyperlinks to the right of the survey or program title (under the table title). These links allow access to survey-level meta-information.
Why am I asked to pay for data from the CANSIM database?
The Daily and Summary tables in Canadian Statistics often have a link to the commercial CANSIM table number. There is a charge to extract the data for each series. However, there is no charge if you copy the CANSIM table number and search for it in E-STAT. Be sure to verify the address. The address for E-STAT is http://estat.statcan.gc.ca and for commercial CANSIM is http://cansim2.statcan.gc.ca.
Can I convert quarterly data into annual data?
Yes, in CANSIM at the Output specification screen of either a Table or a Time Series request, you have the option to change the frequency of the output data. See the drop down menu beside "The frequency of the output data will be".
In CANSIM, when you Retrieve as individual Time Series, you can express the data as a percentage of the first series. You will find this option at the Output manipulation screen under "The output will contain".
How to search the CANSIM database?
Detailed context-sensitive explanations of options are available on each page of E-STAT. The Help button appears under Search CANSIM on the left sidebar, when you enter the data module. This Help function provides explanations of the options available on each screen (or web page), as it is opened. You may also browse E-STAT by subject using the Table of contents.
- See also the CANSIM table directory.
- Read the CANSIM user guide with detailed instructions on retrieving data from CANSIM.
- Search by survey number and select the survey of interest to find all our tables from a specific survey.
How to export CANSIM data into an Excel spreadsheet?
- In CANSIM, in E-STAT, select the table, geography, characteristics and period of interest.
- You may choose Retrieve as a table or Retrieve as individual time series.
- At the Output specification screen, under DOWNLOADABLE FILE formats, select WK1 (generic worksheet file), time as rows or time as columns.
- Click Retrieve now.
- Open the file using Excel (you may need to widen the first few columns in order to view the complete descriptions).
What is a census?
A census is a survey of the entire population that produces a "snapshot" of data from one specific point in time. The Census of Population is conducted every 5 years. The Census has two questionnaires. The short questionnaire (2A) is distributed to all Canadian households and includes questions concerning age, sex, education, ethnic origin, mother tongue, and marital status. The long questionnaire (2B) is distributed to approximately one out of every five households in Canada and all households on Indian reserves and settlements. It collects data on home language, marital status, religion, employment and housing.
Select Search Censuses from the sidebar.
What is the Census of Agriculture?
Conducted in conjunction with the Census of Population, the Census of Agriculture is sent to every farm household across Canada. It collects data on such topics such as crop area, livestock, farm labour, machinery, expenses and receipts, and land management practices.
Select Search Censuses from the sidebar, then the Census of Agriculture for the year of your choice in the drop-down list.
What does 20% sample data mean in the Census?
The Census detailed questionnaire (2B) was sent to a random sample of one in five households. The results were weighted to provide estimates for the entire population.
Each item is randomly rounded up or down to a multiple of 5 in order to protect the confidentiality of individuals.
The totals are also randomly rounded to protect the confidentiality of respondents. This explains why adding the components may not equal the total.
Can I create a population pyramid with E-STAT?
The population pyramid is not an option in E-STAT. However, you can produce a horizontal bar graph showing population by age group and sex for any one selected area. See the Quick Guide "Census Working with Community Data" for an example. Also try the Learning resources Population Pyramids.
Can I select more than one function at a time with E-STAT Census mapping features?
No, you can only select only one "Click on Map to" at a time. If you want to zoom and display name and value, you have to zoom first, then choose the "Display name and value" function.
The "Redraw map" button lets you change the intervals and/or the colours (full colours or shades of grey or green). It is independent of the "Click on Map to" button. If you click on "Redraw map as" without changing your intervals and/or your colours, the system will redraw the map as is.
Example: Let's say you want to change your map to intervals of 4, with shades of green and then display name and value. You would first select your intervals of 4 from the drop down list on the second row, click on the "Shades of green" button and then click on "Redraw map". You would then click on the "Display name and value" button, and then click on the area of the map you wish to see.
Yes, we've now added the option to change the title of graphs or maps.
Click on the button "Modify graphic".
Yes, E-STAT can calculate percentages. If you are creating a table from the Census database, you will see at the bottom of your table a button "Redisplay As:" with a radio button "Data as a % of ___ characteristic" (You can also choose % of the 2nd, 3rd, etc. characteristic). For more detail, see our Quick Guide "Mapping the Population by Mother Tongue."
How to search by postal code?
This option is available for Census Profiles at the Census Tract (neighbourhood) level.
- On the E-STAT sidebar, select Search Censuses.
- Under Available Census databases, select 2001 Census. Click Go!
- From the drop-down list under 2001 Census, select 2001 Census of Population (46 Large Urban Centres, Census Tracts (neighbourhoods)). Click Go!
- Under 2001 Census of Population (46 Large Urban Centres, Census Tracts (neighbourhoods)), select the profile of your interest. Click Go!
- Select a postal code.
- Select Characteristics of your interest.
- Choose an output format
How to search the Censuses modules?
See Help with this page.
How can I research my ancestors?
Statistics Canada has summary data from the very old censuses, not individual records, available through depository libraries. While this information is historically interesting, it won't help in a search for ancestors.
Canadian Genealogy Centre offers genealogical content, services, advice, research tools and opportunities to work on joint projects, all in both official languages.
When I search by locality, I get a drop-down list of all places beginning with that name. Which one should I select?
For the definitions of the abbreviations after a place name, please see the Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) 2001.
When should I use the regular E-STAT census module for mapping census data?
Use the regular E-STAT census module
- If you want to look at a specific set of census data in the form of maps, tables, and graphs.
- If you want to calculate percentages (e.g. percentage of the population that speak French at home).
What is the Aboriginal Peoples Survey?
The Aboriginal Peoples Survey covers individuals who identified themselves as part of an Aboriginal group on the 1991 and 2001 Censuses. Selected results from the survey include language, traditional activities, health, lifestyle and social issues, mobility, schooling, work and related activities, expenses, income, and housing. For more information, see:
Welcome to the 2001 Aboriginal Peoples Survey Community Profiles
Aboriginal Peoples Survey 2001: concepts and methods guide
The geographic terms of the 2001 Census
The definition of the Comparison characteristic
Select Search Censuses from the sidebar. Under Census, select 2001 Census. Click Go! Under 2001 Census, select 2001 Aboriginal People survey.
Does E-STAT contain data from sources other than Statistics Canada?
Yes, E-STAT has data from other sources, such as Elections Canada and Health Canada (CANSIM Table: 110-0001 to 110-0132).
What is Human Activity and the Environment?
Make sense of current and historical environmental statistics. The comprehensive Human Activity and the Environment 2000 provides an extensive overview of data on population, economic activities, and the environment. It explains relationships among these key elements, using an all-inclusive blend of figures, historical facts and authoritative analysis.
The annual updates deliver updated tables, highlights and a feature article: See HAE 2005 "Solid Waste in Canada", HAE 2004 "Energy in Canada", HAE 2003 "Freshwater Resources in Canada" and HAE 2002 "Air Quality in Canada."
The Human Activity and the Environment 2000 - Teacher's kit provides educators with a variety of activities designed to support the integration and use of the Human Activity and the Environment 2000.
Where can I find information about ecozones?
Statistics Canada releases data categorised by a number of different geographic regions, including by ecozone and ecoregion (sub-ecozone). You can analyse 120 characteristics of Population, Agriculture, and Work data at the ecozone and ecoregion level. You can access this data through E-STAT.
At the E-STAT Table of contents, under the heading Land and Resources, select Environment. Data can be found under the Environment Module.
Other resources on ecozones:
- Environment Module Information
- Human Activity and the Environment 2000
- A look at 20 years of pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer use on farms in one ecozone (the Lower St. Lawrence Lowlands)
- Introduction to Canada's Ecozones
- Excerpts from Canada year book 1999: The Environment > The Land
- Human Activity and the Environment: Annual Statistics 2006, Map 2.2, Terrestrial ecozones, 2003
- Human Activity and the Environment: Annual Statistics 2006, Table 2.1, Land cover by ecozone, 2000
How to Cite Statistics Canada Products?
See How to Cite Statistics Canada Products: E-STAT product reference.
